Animal protection

France's first national park is an outdoor haven

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Parc National de la Vanoise, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region

Pet care to be part of France’s school curriculum from September 2024

The new programme will aim to teach respect and compassion for pets, in a bid to fight animal mistreatment

Alain Delon’s dog will not be euthanised and buried with him

The late actor had said he wanted ‘to go together’ but animal welfare associations expressed alarm at the wishes

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Spot dolphins and whales on cross Channel UK-France ferry

Passengers are invited to access the ferry decks and record observations on a special app

VIDEO: Driver films three lynx by side of French road

The video also raises awareness of the real risk of traffic collisions to the endangered animals

Stray dogs to be shot after sheep attacks in southern France

But animal welfare campaigners say the dogs should be taken to shelters instead

Marineland in south of France again criticised over new whale death

An animal welfare association has filed a legal complaint but the park denies it keeps orcas in poor conditions

Normandy first French region to stop funding wild animal shows

The move is part of a wider trend away from wild animal use

Fishing is banned off west coast of France to protect dolphins

The month-long ban has been denounced by fishing groups but environmentalists say more in needed

Fears for future of Marineland whales in south of France

One welfare association fears the orcas may be sent to Japan - a country with fewer protections for whales - and separated for reproduction reasons

Associations seek end to marmot hunting in France

Six environmental groups have taken the issue to court, saying that the marmot is ‘no longer used for eating, for its fat, or its fur’. A decision is expected imminently

Record animal abandonment in France sparks shock campaign

The heartbreaking ads aim to show how pets feel when their owners ‘disappear’

Drivers warned about wandering cats and hedgehogs on new French signs

The signs ask drivers to slow down and were the idea of a council worker who runs a shelter for stray cats and was saddened by how many are run over

Five good news stories from France

Read our pick of feelgood articles including an eagle's successful recovery from injury, an amazing artefacts find and a nice initative to help refugees

SNCF fined over crushing cat taking refuge under TGV at French station

The state-owned railway operator was found guilty of negligence

Walrus spotted resting in Normandy port, 3,500km from home

The mammal was not thought to be in poor health, and was just one of the North Atlantic animals seen in French ports this weekend

French parliament to debate banning traditional corrida bullfighting

A left-wing MP has proposed a bill which would outlaw bullfighting in France where the animal is killed, and which is expected to be voted on in November

English-speaking animal rescue charity in France appeals for helpers

The Phoenix Association warns that animal welfare is at stake without more people to help with its fundraising efforts

Lions, crocodiles: How exotic animal ownership rules work in France

The issue is in the spotlight after two crocodiles and a caiman were recently found living in unsuitable conditions at a house in Essonne

Animal first aid course gives French pet owners tips on emergency care

The training includes realistic touches like spurting blood and smoke machines

Cost of living: French animal shelters full as pet abandonments rise

Dog abandonment is up 6% this year so far, and adoption levels are low because people cannot afford to take on expenses such as vet bills, shelters are warning

Protest planned against circus using wild animals in north France

Associations have said that ‘animals are not there to entertain us’ and are against the circus’ use of wild animals

Beluga whale in Seine dies during rescue operation

The whale was euthanised during the unprecedented mission as vets said its ‘suffering was evident’ and it was unlikely to survive any future release back into the sea

Seine beluga update: Plus, why are sea creatures entering the river?

The beluga is being moved to a salt water area, as experts grapple to explain why more whales appear to be swimming into the river

Animal seen in Seine river in north west France is a beluga whale

Authorities are currently evaluating the whale’s condition and ask the public not to approach it to avoid causing it stress

France reviews reauthorising traditional net and cage bird hunts

The government says that any hunting, which would involve thrushes and blackbirds, will be done in compliance with EU law but the LPO bird protection organisation is strongly opposed

France imposes new rules to stop rash pet purchases and avoid neglect

New owners are now required to sign a certificate or contract to show that they fully understand the responsibilities, costs, requirements and logistics of owning a pet

€10,000 reward for help in finding person who shot Seine orca

Charity Sea Shepherd France hopes to end 'the silence and impunity’ within the fishing community with regard to attacks on protected species

French NGO files complaint after bullet found in dead Seine orca

The whale died in May after rescue attempts failed. The bullet, lodged in its head, does not appear to be the cause of death

Sea life organisations question handling of orca that died in Seine

Sea Shepherd France and an expert scientific group were disappointed not to be consulted, saying their solutions could have increased the chances of saving the whale

Update: sick orca whale trapped in the Seine found dead

Experts tried to steer the animal to safety over the weekend but had decided that its declining health made euthanasia the ‘only possible alternative’

Video: Orca whale seen in Seine river but authorities cannot intervene

The animal has been observed in the river between le Havre and Rouen. Its health is now thought to be at risk

Rising inflation blamed for increase in pet abandonment in France

Rescue rates of animals in shelters dropped by 4% this year compared to last, with owners appearing to give up their animals due to rising costs

‘A long road ahead’: Parti Animaliste leader on French animal rights

Hélène Thouy discusses her presidential campaign and the barriers to improving animal welfare in France

‘Drunk’ deer in Normandy: Why this natural phenomenon happens

People are warned to stay calm if they see a deer acting strangely and to call the nearest wild fauna centre if anyone is in danger

Villagers fight to save their local ‘mascot’ deer in southern France

The deer, which is seen in local gardens daily and even allows people to approach it, is facing removal or even slaughter after a resident complained that it was eating flowers

French mayor wants travelling circus with wild animals off town land

The mayor of Narbonne says the town ‘vehemently opposes’ to the use of wild animals in such events

Animal rights candidate lacks support to stand in French election

‘France has built a culture that prides itself on animal-cruelty - take the example at foie-gras,’ Hélène Thouy tells The Connexion

French woman says she was ‘treated like criminal’ after saving a boar

The office for biodiversity intends to return animal to its natural habitat, despite the woman saying it has become attached to her and wants to stay

Confiscated or rescued wild animals find new home at unique French zoo

Unwanted male elephants, retired circus tigers, lab animals and many other exotic creatures are among the animals found there

Call for volunteers to help thousands of toads cross busy French road

The toads risk their lives every year by attempting to cross so as to reach their spring mating ground

French hunters to ‘get gift ahead of election’, say wildlife charities

A new rule will make it harder for animal rights groups to lodge legal objections to hunting periods

Birdwatcher’s guide to France: Nature reserves, parks and trails

Explore the country’s best landscapes for watching pink flamingos, birds of prey or even migrating birds, as well as information centres and exhibitions

Thousands of animals await adoption in France after Covid lockdowns

Shelters say they can not take any more pets as they are flooded with post Covid lockdown abandonments

French animal protection law ‘inspired’ by UK

Loïc Dombreval, the MP who pushed for the new animal protection law explains how Britain was a useful model and why hunting issues had to be put to one side

Lyon becomes third city in France to ban foie gras on cruelty grounds

Foie gras is ‘not a French speciality but a French shame,’ said the mayor of Grenoble where the delicacy is also banned

Diary of a birdwatcher in France: The common buzzard

Jonathan Kemp recounts his somewhat painful experience of trying to rescue an injured buzzard that he found at the side of a road

Wild animals to be banned from shows in France – where will they go?

Around 800 wild animals and 25 marine mammals are set to be freed from travelling circuses within seven years under a new law

France’s new animal welfare law passes: What will it change for pets?

New pet owners will have to sign a certificate confirming they understand the responsibilities involved plus there will be harsher punishments for abandonment and cruelty

Diary of a birdwatcher in France: The Egyptian vulture

Jonathan Kemp explains how he was witness to some extraordinary behaviour by the smallest of the four vulture species found in Europe

Why French government agreement marks historic day for animal welfare

Animal protection groups celebrate decision to ban sales of puppies and kittens in pet stores and the use of wild animals in travelling circuses (but not for seven years) and more

Petition condemns decision to shoot puma on loose in north France

Pas-de-Calais’ prefecture has authorised the killing of the animal if it cannot be caught and says it will be impossible to tranquilise it

Campaigner calls for more legal protection for police dogs in France

Mistreatment against dogs working in the line of fire should be recognised more in law, an association has said, as they are ‘soldiers’, just like people

New French anti animal mistreatment law to be discussed in Senate

The law aims to reduce pet abandonments and end the use of wild animals in shows in France but MPs and senators disagree on key points

Diary of a birdwatcher in France: The capture of 33 griffon vultures

Ten griffon vultures in Occitanie have been equipped with tracking equipment, so that experts can gather more information on the huge birds. Jonathan Kemp was part of the equipping operation, which involved temporarily trapping 33 birds, and explains why it is important